PhD, BSc (Hons), Grad. Dip. Science Management

Dr Belinda Chapman is a microbiologist with 25 years’ experience in microbiology research, and is Director of Quantal Bioscience, an Australian research company based in Sydney and specialising in microbiology research and education. Quantal Bioscience has a particular interest in microbiomics, the study of complex communities of microorganisms. Belinda works with Poseidon Equine as a consultant to improve our understanding of the microorganisms present in the equine gut, and the effect of prebiotics on the equine gut microbiome.

During her career Belinda has worked in microbiology research roles across industry and academia, including 10 years spent at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Belinda has long had an interest in fermentation and human gut health, starting with roles in the food industry with Arnotts and The Sanitarium Health Food Company developing novel starter cultures and probiotics, through to her most recent role, during which she has served as co-principal investigator on a clinical trial of a novel human probiotic. Belinda has also worked as a research microbiologist for Macquarie University, the Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research, Vitramed and the Sydney Catchment Authority.

As such, Belinda has a unique appreciation of the importance of the role of microorganisms across all areas of our lives. Belinda is particularly interested in the intersections between human and animal health, the food we eat and feed to our animals, and the environment. As well as being a casual lecturer for The University of Tasmania, Belinda is an affiliate supervisor for The University of Sydney, where she co-supervises a PhD student investigating the development of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms in the equine hindgut, and an Honours student investigating new technologies to study fungal microbiomes.